Why I Give

When I started my own family I needed to bring them to Yosemite, I wanted us to experience the same traditions together; it’s a big thing in our family now, to meet in the park. I’ve introduced my grandchildren to the Junior Ranger Program and to fishing and rafting.

George Sakelarios,
Yosemite Conservancy donor

Junior Ranger Program

In 2013, an expanded Junior Ranger program allowed even more children to participate and learn about the natural world. More Junior Ranger programs were offered in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, and the program was expanded into Wawona and Glacier Point during the busy summer season.

These programs encourage outdoor exploration, as well as a love of national parks and a healthy lifestyle from an early age. By participating in ranger-led nature walks and completing environmental-activity workbooks, kids can earn their Junior Ranger badge. Plastic badges were replaced with sustainably produced wooden badges that are serving as a model for other national parks.

Thanks to your continued support, there are more programs, more rangers and more children learning about and connecting with the outdoors and Yosemite.